Early Signs: Ways to Detect the Onset of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Early detection helps with treatment planning, support, and safety. While occasional forgetfulness can be normal, the patterns below may signal early Alzheimer’s.

1) Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events; repeating questions; heavy reliance on notes

2) Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems

Trouble following familiar recipes, keeping track of bills, or working with numbers; tasks take longer than before.

3) Confusion with Time or Place

Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time; forgetting where they are or how they got there.

4) Challenges with Visual/Spatial Skills

Not eye-vision itself, but brain processing—difficulty judging distance, reading, or recognizing familiar faces.

5) Trouble Speaking or Writing

Struggling to find words, follow conversations, or maintain a train of thought; repeating phrases.

6) Misplacing Items & Inability to Retrace Steps

Placing objects in unusual spots (keys in the fridge) and losing the ability to backtrack to find them.

7) Decreased or Poor Judgment

Notable lapses like unusual money decisions, neglecting hygiene, or dressing inappropriately for weather.

8) Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

Avoiding hobbies or gatherings due to difficulties remembering steps or embarrassment about changes.

9) Changes in Mood and Personality

Increased anxiety, confusion, suspicion, irritability, or depression—especially when out of routine.

10) Reduced Sense of Smell (Anosmia/Hyposmia)

Noticing coffee, perfume, or food aromas less—or not at all. Olfactory changes can appear early.

Note: Other conditions (colds/sinus issues, COVID-19, smoking, Parkinson’s) can also affect smell, so medical evaluation is important.